Care homes celebrate long-serving team members

This #GoodNewsFriday we hear how two different care providers have been celebrating the long-serving members of their team, including a heartfelt presentation and an innovative tribute.

Steeton Court Nursing Home

Residents and staff at Steeton Court Nursing Home recently gathered for a heartfelt celebration to honour the incredible commitment of several long-serving team members. The presentation, led by Home Manager Caroline Cowland, recognised the profound impact these individuals have made through their hard work, kindness, and unwavering compassion.

The conservatory was filled to capacity with residents, relatives, and colleagues who came together to share in the milestone. To mark their achievements, each staff member was presented with a card, a commemorative certificate and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The celebratory atmosphere was made even more special with a delicious homemade cake, baked specifically for the occasion by the home’s talented Chef, Craig, which was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

The ceremony highlighted a collective wealth of experience, with special recognition given to Shabana, who has reached an extraordinary milestone of 25 years with the home. The event also celebrated the 15-year anniversaries of Umma and Lindsay, while Khansa and Shamila were honoured for 10 years of service. Additionally, Nosheen and Claire were recognised for their five-year milestones at Steeton Court.

Reflecting on the achievement, Home Manager Caroline Cowland said:

"It is an absolute privilege to lead such a dedicated and compassionate team. These awards are about more than just years on a calendar; they represent thousands of hours of kindness, dignity, compassion, and the deep personal connections made with our residents every single day. Seeing our conservatory full of families and staff coming together to celebrate Shabana, Umma, Lindsay, and the rest of the team shows just how much they mean to the Steeton Court family. They truly are the heart of this home."

These awards follow a historic milestone for the whole Spellman Care group. In 2025, Rachael Houldsworth, Steeton Court’s Senior Administrator, became the first colleague in the group’s history to achieve 35 years of service, having been part of the team since before the company’s first home even opened its doors.

Bernard Sunley Care Home

Bernard Sunley Care Home has come up with an innovative way to recognise their long-serving colleagues, by naming parts of the care home after the dedicated team members.

Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley, said:

“We always say that our long serving members of staff are like part of the furniture due to the many years of service they have given to the residents and Bernard Sunley. With this in mind, I decided to literally make them part of the furniture and am giving staff members who have been here for 20 years or more their very own street name in the care home.”

Ester Manlubatan, the Deputy Manager and Clinical Lead at Bernard Sunley who has been with the care home since January 2003, said:

“To have my very own street - ‘Manlubatan Way’, in the care home, is wonderful. I walk down the ‘Way’ so many times each day, seeing the sign always makes me smile.”

Night Care Assistant, Martine Whitby, who has worked at Bernard Sunley for 22 years said:

“The best thing about my job is that on every shift, I am lucky enough to care for and support the wonderful residents. Talking to them, hearing their life stories, helping, supporting and assisting them can’t be matched; and now having ‘Whitby Way’, my very own street at Bernard Sunley, is the cherry on the cake.”

Other team members who were honoured were:

• Shift Leader, Anna Olejnik, who has been part of the Bernard Sunley team for over 21 years and now has her very own ‘Olejnik Avenue’.
• Night Nurse Joyful Mhunduru, who is the proud recipient of ‘Mhunduru Mews’, having worked at Bernard Sunley for 24 years.
• Health Care Assistant, Susan Casey, who has been part of the Bernard Sunley family for 22 years and has been honoured with ‘Casey Crescent’.

Print this page